Openings in chimney

**Robert Sole** · 07-20-2009, 12:41 PM

Inspected a 1950's home with an unlined brick chimney for the fireplace. on both sides of the chimney in the attic, there are openings where the bricks are vertical and you can see the inside of the chimney through the openings by these bricks.

Does anyone have an idea why the openings are there> I have never seen this before.

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**Bob Harper** · 07-20-2009, 02:28 PM

Sure, direct vent woodburning masonry fireplace! ;-)

Seriously Robert, no legal or useful purpose. Will have to be properly filled in with solid masonry units and mortar when the chimney gets relined.
HTH,
Bob

**Robert Sole** · 07-20-2009, 02:46 PM

Thanks for the reply, Bob.

It would seem to me that this would allow smoke or even sparks to enter the attic (which would be a hazard). Is it safe to use the fireplace like this?

**Bob Harper** · 07-20-2009, 03:36 PM

Nooooooooo! Do NOT use it as is. Yes, it is a fire hazard. Understand, it is unsafe just from the fact you stated it is unlined. That is enough right there without deliberate holes in the chimney in the attic. Have a pro conduct a Level II inspection for guidance on options. FYI, flue liners have been required since 1927. As for why they did this, I do not know. Maybe some genius thought he was making a draft hood of sorts. Lord knows. Does look very deliberate. As I said repair gaps and reline per the building code.
HTH,
Bob

**Robert Sole** · 07-20-2009, 03:46 PM

Thanks for the input. I agree and that is basically what I recommended. I just wanted to make sure I didn't over react to something that had a legitimate reason.

A.D. Miller · 07-21-2009, 03:02 AM

FYI, flue liners have been required since 1927.

BH: Good info. Source?

**Bob Harper** · 07-21-2009, 04:11 AM

Aaron, just another example of the kind of great info. you get when you take Dale Feb's Certified Fireplace Inspector course.

He has a copy of the 1927 UBC and showed it to us. He has many other cool references, too. Click on the banner to talk with Dale or his wife Tena about the next class.
Bob

A.D. Miller · 07-21-2009, 04:21 AM

just another example of the kind of great info. you get when you take Dale Feb's Certified Fireplace Inspector course.

BH: IF I had the $2K for the course fee, and IF I had the free week it would require, and IF I had the cash for the travel half way across the country and the lodging once there, and IF . . . wishes were horses . . .

chuck altvater · 12-05-2010, 08:38 PM

Perhaps the original owner used the attic as a smoke house?

**Michael Thomas** · 12-06-2010, 02:56 AM

Originally Posted by A.D. Miller

BH: IF I had the $2K for the course fee, and IF I had the free week it would require, and IF I had the cash for the travel half way across the country and the lodging once there, and IF . . . wishes were horses . . .

Dale also teaches an abbreviated class in various cities.

It's one of the two best classes (the other was the old Peoples Gas Gas Safety class, no longer offered) I've even taken.